Frequently asked questions

Plenty! The village has a lovely selection of restaurants and cafés, most open for lunch and geared toward making your visit memorable. There are even two cheese shops, a pizzeria, and an Italian restaurant, so something for everyone.

The best time to visit Giethoorn is on a weekday morning, outside of the summer holidays. The village gets very busy in summer and on weekends, but the canals naturally offer a quieter experience than the crowded footpaths. Our morning departures are ideal for seeing Giethoorn at its most peaceful.

Giethoorn draws over a million visitors a year, but the canals naturally spread crowds out, making the water far more peaceful than the footpaths. For the best experience, visit on a weekday and start early, our morning departures are ideal for seeing the village at its quietest.

Without a doubt! Giethoorn is one of the Netherlands' most magical villages, with picturesque canals, wooden bridges, and thatched-roof farmhouses, earning it the nickname 'the Venice of the North'. Our guide will take you on a boat tour through the canals and bring the village's fascinating history to life.

Giethoorn is a one-of-a-kind Dutch village in the province of Overijssel, often called the "Venice of the North." Its historic centre has no roads at all — only winding canals, peaceful footpaths, and 176 wooden bridges. Homes are accessible only by boat or on foot, creating an atmosphere of complete tranquility unlike anywhere else in the world.

Giethoorn is one of those rare places that genuinely lives up to the hype. It's a car-free village with no roads in its historic center, just 176 wooden bridges, peaceful canals, and thatched-roof farmhouses that look like they belong in a fairytale. It's only 1.5 hours from Amsterdam, but it feels like a world away.

Our tours are family-friendly and welcome children of all ages. We use a comfortable coach-style bus and do not provide child car seats. EU regulations allow children to travel without car seats on buses with more than 8 passenger seats, so you're not required to bring one. That said, parents of very young infants may want to bring a baby carrier. For any specific concerns, feel free to contact us before booking.

Yes! Our Giethoorn Transfer from Amsterdam is perfect for guests who want comfortable transport without a guided programme. You travel with us by bus, explore Giethoorn at your own pace, and return with us to Amsterdam. Great if you'd rather wander independently or rent your own boat. Book directly on our website.

Absolutely! Take a train from Schiphol into the city centre, then hop on the M52 metro northbound to Amsterdam Noord — the last stop on the line. From there it's a short walk to Market 27. It's a smooth, stress-free journey, no taxis or rental cars needed.

Just one metro line and you're there. Take the M52 (North-South Line) northbound from anywhere in the city centre — Central Station, Rokin, or Zuid all work. Exit at Noord (the last stop), take the Termini exit, turn right, and walk straight to Market 27. The whole journey takes about 10–15 minutes. If you're planning to use public transport throughout your stay, a GVB Public Transport Pass is a great option for unlimited travel around Amsterdam.

Our main pickup point is centrally located in Amsterdam, around 5 to 10 minutes by Uber or taxi from Dam Square and Centraal Station. The exact address is in your booking confirmation. It's also easy to reach by tram or bus from most hotels. Coming from Schiphol? Take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal and a short Uber from there.

Yes! Renting your own boat is one of the best ways to experience Giethoorn. You can pre-book a self-drive boat through us (1 hour for €40 or 2 hours for €60, the best prices around), or decide once you arrive. Either way, we'll point you in the right direction.

Absolutely, the choice is entirely yours. Giethoorn is a delight to explore on foot, with scenic paths winding alongside the canals, across the famous 176 wooden bridges, and past gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century farmhouses. Many guests combine a stroll with a boat ride to make the most of their time.

It's practically made for it. Giethoorn's thatched-roof farmhouses, mirror-still canals, and wooden bridges are endlessly photogenic. Whether you're shooting on a smartphone or a professional camera, you'll come home with stunning images.

Yes, all our guides speak English fluently and are happy to answer any questions throughout the day. All explanations — including at the windmill and cheese farm — are in English.

Return times depend on your departure: the 8:45 AM and 9:45 AM trips return between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The last departure returns around 5:00 PM. You'll receive a voucher with your exact return details.

You get comfortable round-trip transport, an English-speaking local guide, a cheese tasting at Henri Willig, and free time in Giethoorn to explore however you like: rent a boat, join a canal cruise, have lunch, stroll the bridges, or simply soak it all in.

Yes, we make planned restroom stops throughout the tour. We also recommend using the facilities before departure to make the most of your time at each location.

Renting a boat means you're the captain. Explore the canals at your own pace, stop wherever you like, and soak up the atmosphere freely. The guided canal cruise means a local skipper takes the wheel and shares fascinating stories about Giethoorn's history and life along the water. Both are brilliant; it just depends on whether you prefer freedom or storytelling!

Drone use is permitted in certain areas of the Netherlands, but requires a licence and is strictly forbidden near airports. During our tour, drone flying is possible at designated locations, just make sure you have the proper permit and always fly responsibly.

For a quick response — usually same day or next day — don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We're happy to help.

Yes! In fact, we recommend it. Just have your ticket ready on your phone when you arrive at the pickup location.

Yes! Children travel at the same price as adults: €49 per person. It's a fantastic family day out without any hidden extras.

Yes! For larger or private groups we offer tailored pricing. Get in touch with us and we'll find the best option for your group.

Yes, you can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Your €49 ticket includes comfortable round-trip transport from Amsterdam, an English-speaking local Dutch guide, cheese tasting at Henri Willig, and plenty of free time to explore the village, cafés, gardens, shops, and of course the canals.

The €49 option includes return transport to Giethoorn with free time to explore independently. The €59 option adds a guided canal boat cruise with a skipper, giving you a proper on-the-water experience. If it's your first time in Giethoorn, we recommend the €59 option.